Last updated: March 17, 2025
In April, Kirkwall, United Kingdom experiences a refreshing transition into spring, highlighted by a maximum temperature reaching 11°C (53°F) and an average of 7°C (44°F). The month typically sees a minimum temperature dipping to 0°C (32°F), providing a crisp atmosphere. With precipitation totaling 51 mm (2.0 in) over 12 days, frequent rain showers contribute to the lush, vibrant scenery. Coupled with a humidity level of 81%, the weather in April sets a unique stage for both indoor and outdoor activities, inviting visitors to explore the charm of the Orkney Islands.
April in Kirkwall marks a subtle shift toward milder spring weather, with minimum temperatures hovering around 0°C (32°F) and an average reaching 7°C (44°F). As the month unfolds, highs can touch 11°C (53°F), signaling the gradual departure from the chill of winter. Compared to the preceding months, April showcases a notable increase in warmth, aligning with a general upward trend as Kirkwall transitions into the spring season. While nights remain cool, the days begin to feel more inviting, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and enjoying the budding natural beauty of this charming coastal town.
April in Kirkwall sees a notable decline in precipitation compared to the preceding months, with just 51 mm (2.0 in) of rain spread over 12 days. This reduction marks a significant shift from the wetter spells of winter and early spring, where precipitation levels hovered above 90 mm. As the month progresses, the milder weather begins to emerge, providing a refreshing contrast to the more watery months of January through March. Despite the lighter rain, April still maintains the characteristic changeable nature of Orkney's climate, hinting at the transition to drier, sunnier days ahead while still being nestled comfortably in the midst of the region's unpredictable weather patterns.
In April, Kirkwall experiences a consistent humidity level of 81%, mirroring the slightly damp conditions of the preceding months. As winter transitions into spring, this stable humidity provides a refreshing but cool atmosphere, characteristic of the region. Notably, humidity begins to rise in May, culminating in a noticeable spike during the summer months, where levels peak at a humid 87% in July. This trend highlights Kirkwall's gradual shift from the milder dampness of spring to the more humid and lush conditions of summer, creating a vibrant landscape that thrives under the increased moisture.
As April arrives in Kirkwall, United Kingdom, the UV Index reaches 4, marking a shift from the lower values of the winter months to a more moderate exposure category. This increase signals a time when residents and visitors alike should be more mindful of their sun exposure, with a burn time of just 30 minutes. Following the patterns established in March, when the UV Index was at 3, April continues the upward trend that will peak in the summer months. With May further increasing to 5 and June and July hitting a high of 7, it's essential to protect the skin as outdoor activities become more common. For more detailed insights into the UV Index trends throughout the year, check out Kirkwall UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
April in Kirkwall, United Kingdom, is truly a time to bask in increasing sunshine as the days grow longer and warmer. With 337 hours of sunlight, this month marks a significant leap from the earlier months, reflecting a spirited transition from winter's gloom. Following a steady rise in sunlight hours through March's 204 hours, April heralds the arrival of spring, setting the stage for an even brighter May with 406 hours. This upward trend continues into the summer months, peaking in June with 428 hours, while the sunshine retreats gently in the following months. As the year unfolds, April stands out as a vibrant reminder of nature's revival, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the longer, sun-soaked days.
In April, the likelihood of enjoying sunny weather in Kirkwall, United Kingdom, stands at 36%, mirroring the sunny prospects of February. This marks a noticeable improvement from the 19% chance in March, signaling a shift as spring takes hold. While April's sunshine chances are somewhat on par with the start of the year, they dip slightly compared to the sunnier days that follow in May. It's worth noting that the trend reveals a fluctuating pattern, with early months generally boasting better chances of sun than the summer months, making April a refreshing glimpse of what's to come as nature blooms anew.
As spring unfolds in Kirkwall, April ushers in increased daylight, with 14 hours of sun illuminating the days. This marks a notable transition from the 11 hours of daylight in March, reflecting the region's shift towards longer, brighter days. Following this pattern, May promises even more sunshine with a generous 16 hours, while the peak of summer in June boasts an impressive 18 hours of daylight. This gradual increase from the darkest winter months, where January offers only 7 hours, highlights the region's rhythmic dance with the changing seasons. As the year progresses, the daylight begins to wane again, but for now, the vibrant lengthening of April days invites both residents and visitors alike to revel in the beauty of longer, sun-filled hours.
As spring unfolds in Kirkwall, April brings a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 7.9 m/s (18 mph), marking a notable dip from the brisker gusts of late winter. Following the higher winds of February and November, April's winds signal a transition towards milder weather, setting the stage for the calmer months ahead. This remains consistent as we approach summer, where the wind speed further decreases to 6.3 m/s (14 mph) in May. The trend of softening winds in April is a breath of fresh air, inviting both locals and visitors to embrace the serene beauty of the Orkney Islands. As nature awakens, the subtle shifts in wind offer a perfect backdrop for exploration and reflection.
The weather in Kirkwall changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of April's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Kirkwall and find detailed weather information for every month.
April and January exhibit similar temperature ranges, with average temperatures around 6-7°C (44°F), but April tends to be slightly milder, boasting a maximum of 11°C (53°F) compared to January's 12°C (53°F). However, January sees more precipitation, with a total of 91 mm (3.6 in) over 16 days, compared to April's 51 mm (2.0 in) across 12 days. Both months have high humidity levels, hovering around 81% in April and 82% in January, contributing to the overall cool and damp feel characteristic of this region. For more details on January weather specifics, visit Kirkwall weather in January.
In comparing the weather between April and February, both months exhibit similar temperature ranges, with April averaging slightly warmer at 7°C (44°F), compared to February's 6°C (43°F). However, April has less overall precipitation, with 51 mm (2.0 in) falling over 12 days, whereas February experiences more rainfall at 99 mm (3.9 in) across 18 days. Interestingly, both months share the same humidity level of 81%, contributing to the damp conditions typical of this region. For a more detailed look at February's weather, you can explore Kirkwall weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and April, we observe a slight warming trend as April sees a minimum temperature of 0°C (32°F) and an average of 7°C (44°F), compared to March's minimum of -1°C (31°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). April tends to be a bit drier, with 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 12 days, while March is wetter, recording 104 mm (4.1 in) across 20 days. Both months exhibit similar humidity levels, remaining consistently at 81%. For more insights on the specifics of March weather, you can refer to Kirkwall weather in March.
April and May exhibit noticeable differences in weather conditions. In April, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 11°C (53°F), with an average of 7°C (44°F). The month experiences about 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 12 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, May sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F), averaging 8°C (47°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 55 mm (2.2 in) over 13 days, while humidity rises marginally to 83%. These changes indicate a gradual warming trend as spring progresses. For more details, you can check Kirkwall weather in May.
In April, temperatures in the region range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 11°C (53°F), with an average of 7°C (44°F). The month typically experiences about 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 12 days, and humidity levels hover around 81%. In comparison, June sees a gradual warming, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), and an average temperature of 11°C (51°F). June experiences slightly higher precipitation at 55 mm (2.2 in) over 11 days and a marginal increase in humidity to 84%. For more specifics on June weather, you can visit Kirkwall weather in June.
April and July exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In April, the temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a mild maximum of 11°C (53°F), with an average temperature of 7°C (44°F). The month experiences a total precipitation of 51 mm (2.0 in) over approximately 12 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, July brings warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (49°F), an average of 12°C (54°F), and a maximum of 17°C (63°F). The total precipitation increases to 70 mm (2.8 in) across 13 days, while humidity slightly rises to 87%. For more details on July weather, check out Kirkwall weather in July.
April and August present contrasting weather conditions. In April, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 11°C (53°F), with an average of 7°C (44°F). The month experiences approximately 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over 12 days, alongside a humidity level of 81%. In contrast, August enjoys slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F), an average of 13°C (56°F), and a maximum of 16°C (61°F). It tends to be wetter, with 72 mm (2.8 in) of rainfall across 15 days and a higher humidity of 86%. For more details on the conditions in August, you can visit Kirkwall weather in August.
April and September showcase stark contrasts in weather patterns. In April, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 11°C (53°F), with an average of 7°C (44°F). The month sees moderate precipitation of 51 mm (2.0 in) over approximately 12 days and carries a humidity level of 81%. In comparison, September experiences milder conditions, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and reaching up to 16°C (61°F), averaging 12°C (54°F). However, it also encounters higher rainfall, with 125 mm (4.9 in) spread over 19 days and a slightly elevated humidity of 88%. For more detailed insights on September weather in Kirkwall, explore Kirkwall weather in September.
In comparing the weather of April and October, we see notable differences in temperature and precipitation. April experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F) and an average high of 11°C (53°F), while October's temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F). Additionally, October is significantly wetter, receiving 163 mm (6.4 in) of precipitation over 25 days compared to April's 51 mm (2.0 in) across 12 days. Moreover, October has a slightly higher humidity level at 87%, compared to April's 81%. For more details on October's weather, you can visit Kirkwall weather in October.
April and November exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. In April, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a comfortable maximum of 11°C (53°F), with an average of about 7°C (44°F). The month sees around 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 12 days, resulting in a relative humidity of 81%. In contrast, November experiences slightly milder temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 13°C (56°F), averaging around 9°C (48°F). However, it is significantly wetter, with 136 mm (5.4 in) of precipitation spread over about 23 days, leading to a higher humidity of 87%. For a closer look at the weather specifics for November, you can visit Kirkwall weather in November.
In comparing the weather of April and December, both months exhibit similar average temperatures around 7°C (45°F) with maximums reaching 11°C (52°F). However, April typically experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F), while December's minimum is marginally warmer at 3°C (37°F). Notably, December is characterized by significantly higher precipitation, averaging 111 mm (4.4 in) over 21 days, compared to April's 51 mm (2.0 in) across 12 days. Humidity levels remain comparable, with both months hovering around 80-81%. For more insights into December's weather, you can visit Kirkwall weather in December.
As April unfolds over Kirkwall, the transition from winter to spring becomes evident with a noticeable rise in temperatures, making the days feel milder yet still brisk. With an average temperature of 7°C, this month marks a significant shift from the colder extremes of winter, offering a refreshing change as the year progresses. However, April's ambiance can be dampened by its frequent rainfall, averaging 51 mm over 12 days, which adds to the region's characteristic humidity of 81%. The mix of chilly mornings and sporadic showers means residents and visitors alike should embrace the unpredictability of Kirkwall's April weather while looking forward to the blossoming beauty of springtime. For more insights into what to expect throughout the year, check out Kirkwall Climate.